The Walking Dead #61 – Review

By Robert Kirkman (Writer), Charlie Adlard (Pencils & Inks), and Cliff Rathburn (Grey Tones)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: If I decided to judge The Walking Dead #61 just based on the cover alone, it would probably earn an “A” or “A+”. It features quite the striking image. Can the issue earn the “A” the cover deserves?

The Story: The group of survivors can’t believe their luck when they come across a van that runs and has a few mattresses in it. But joy turns to dismay when Andrea makes a very grim discovery that quickly changes the entire dynamic of the group. Add a mysterious priest into the equation and you have one issue of The Walking Dead that won’t soon be forgotten…

What’s Good: HOLY CRAP!! Seriously…While I won’t give anything away, I will say that the latest issue of The Walking Dead manages to disturb, shock, and intrigue just like some of its more previous issues have before. As for the visuals, Charlie Adlard and Cliff Rathburn are at the top of their game for most of the book. They do a great job of capturing the drama, darkness, and tension that grips the cast. A few of the images are absolutely terrific-looking (though quite unsettling). As for Robert Kirkman, he delivers the chaos in a way that is both realistic and suitably emotional. In short, it’s an all around impressive outing for the entire creative team.

What’s Not So Good: A few panels look pretty weak, though the good to great definitely outweighs the bad. The very simple, rushed panels stick out like a sore thumb though, so they warrant a mention. As for the story it’s too early to tell if the shocks are there just for thrills or if they will truly lead the series in new and interesting directions. At least there’s no B.S. final page cliffhanger.

Conclusion: The Walking Dead #61 will probably stick with me for a long time. This is definitely something that should be read first on your list. Be sure to check it out!

Grade: A-

-Kyle Posluszny

The Walking Dead #56 – Review

By Robert Kirkman (Writer), Charlie Adlard (Pencils, Inks, & Cover), and Cliff Rathburn (Grey Tones & Cover Colors)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: I really can’t say enough about how much I am enjoying the current Walking Dead arc. Robert Kirkman continues to put on a clinic about how and when to toss a twist or bit of information into a long-running story to make sure it hits with maximum impact. And now that I have the next chapter in my hand, I can’t wait to see what comes about as a result of the intriguing notion that the zombies may be slowly starving to death and Maggie’s apparent suicide.

The Story: Unsurprisingly, The Walking Dead #56 is a fairly slow, character-driven issue that centers around Maggie’s actions. I’ll keep from going into more detail to avoid heading into spoiler territory, but I can say that the events that take place allow Kirkman to put a spotlight on the tensions inherent in the eclectic group of survivors. In particular, the dynamic that exists between Rick and Abraham, the most prominent of the new cast members.

What’s Good: If you are a regular to this site, chances are you already know what I am going to say in this section. Robert Kirkman continues to do what he does best by delivering another issue driven almost entirely by the incredible strength of his cast. Obviously, Maggie’s actions have a huge impact on the simmering group, and reactions are written in a way that is both extremely effective and unquestionably realistic. I continue to find myself amazed by the depth of The Walking Dead.

Visually, the issue is pretty much business as usual. Don’t take that as a negative though. Charlie Adlard and Cliff Rathburn continue to display an impressive visual range with their character work and their handling of the action beats.

What’s Not So Good (Possible Spoilers Ahead!!): I have little doubt that many longtime readers will find some frustration with how things play out in the book. It’s a classic Walking Dead moment, for both good and bad. While I have no real problem with it personally, it definitely warrants mentioning as a negative because similar things have happened a few too many times before. In short, your reaction to the opening few pages will probably play a large part in how you feel about the issue as a whole.

Conclusion: The Walking Dead #56 is another strong chapter in a series that continues to impress, but some may find themselves a bit irritated by it. I can’t say that I blame you if you do.

Grade: B+

-Kyle Posluszny

A Second Opinion

Some great character moments here, but Rick leaving himself open while he takes a piss seems a bit out of character. I love what Robert Kirkman is doing with Abraham. Conflict and tension is what drives this book (with the zombies taking a secondary role as the background threat), and it’s clear that an emotional basket case like Abraham is going to cause lots of trouble for our team of survivors. We’ve been so focused on a new direction and the zombie menace that we forgot how many loonies there are in this bunch! Bring it on!

Grade: B+

– J. Montes

The Walking Dead #55 – Review

By Robert Kirkman (Creator & Writer), Charlie Adlard (Pencils & Inks), and Cliff Rathburn (Gray Tones & Cover Colors)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: A few months back, I started to get a bit worried that The Walking Dead might be stuck in neutral. After last issue, Robert Kirkman officially made it clear that it’s not. The return of some old faces and the introduction of a few new ones injected both life and a world of possibilities into what is, in my opinion, one of the best survival stories ever put to print. It will be interesting to see what happens with all these new plot parts now in play.

The Story: The crew of survivors come across an interesting zombie while on a supply stop. Also, Rick continues to battle his mental instability as he once again picks up the phone to speak to his dead wife. To be honest, that’s about all that happens outside of the surprise ending. The issue as a whole is more focused on character work and adding pieces to the zombie puzzle.

What’s Good: While some may find The Walking Dead #55 a bit slow (and lacking in forward plot motion), the incredible character work and interesting bit of information regarding the state of the zombie outbreak more than makes up for the lack of action. Particularly great is how Robert Kirkman handles Rick’s struggle with his deteriorating mental state. It’s next to impossible not to have an emotional investment in a character that has gone through (and lost) so much.

What’s Not So Good: Some may be put off by the lack of action in the issue. Then again, those reading the series solely for the zombie action are pretty much missing the point entirely. It has always been about the characters and will continue to be about the characters.

Conclusion: Another month, another great chapter of The Walking Dead. Fans of the characters will find a lot to like in this one.

Grade: A-

-Kyle Posluszny